FIND OUT ABOUT VENOMOUS ANIMALS IN EXTENSION BOOKLET

COLLEGE STATION –Can you identify the most dangerous terrestrial animal in Texas?

The honeybee.

More people in the United States will die this year from honeybee stings than from any other animal bite or sting, said Dr. John Jackman, entomologist with Texas Cooperative Extension.

You can find out about honeybees and more than 30 other dangerous animals in a booklet Jackman has authored called “Venomous Terrestrial Animals of Texas.”

“Each year in the U.S. about 25 deaths are reported from bee and wasp stings,” Jackman said. “Only about one death from bees or wasps and one from snakes are reported each year in Texas. However, many bites and stings go unreported.”

Jackman said knowing about venomous terrestrial animals is important because they do pose a threat to humans. It is always important to know what you are confronted with. And, he said, it is also important to know most animals we worry about are not really all that harmful.

For instance, a lot of harmless snakes are mistaken for cottonmouths, Jackman said.

He also said many people believe the myth that daddy long-legs contain one of the most deadly chemicals known to man, yet there is no scientific proof to confirm it.

People should be aware of the most hazardous animals in their area, Jackman said.

“Avoid them if possible, and seek medical attention if there is any doubt or if you have unusual symptoms,” he said.

The booklet describes the most dangerous animals in the state – mostly insects, spiders and snakes – and gives information on how to identify them.

“Venomous Terrestrial Animals of Texas”, No. B-6118, can be ordered from the Extension Resource Center at http://tcebookstore.org/

-30-